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April 13, 2012

Rangers 4, Twins 1 (F)

MINNEAPOLIS -- Matt Harrison allowed one run in eighth innings, and Ian Kinsler swatted his fourth homer of the season as the Rangers opened a three-game series against Minnesota with a 4-1 victory at Target Field.

Harrison threw 111 pitches and benefitted from double plays in the sixth and eighth innings to become the first Rangers pitchers to log eight innings this season.

Michael Young had two singles to become the Rangers' all-time leader in total bases at 3,074, surpassing Juan Gonzalez. Young's first hit was an RBI single in a three-run fourth that included an RBI hit by Adrian Beltre and a sacrifice fly by David Murphy.

The Twins brought the tying run to the plate in the ninth inning three times against surprise closer choice Alexi Ogando, who hit Josh Willingham and allowed a hit by Ryan Doumit to start the frame. But Ogando got the next three to earn the save.

Manager Ron Washington had said before the game that Joe Nathan was still the Rangers' closer despite blowing a save Wednesday. The Rangers said afterward that they were simply giving Nathan another day of rest.